AP Cage (or other)

[Outtkast]

So I'm thinking of getting an AP T8 as the permanent home for my new ball. She is still brand new, weighs about 130g and is in her temporary 10gallon. Humidity is a problem in my house and I also have quite low ambient temps in the winter. So I'm thinking of going with a T8 as opposed to a glass aquarium. I have a 75gallon glass laying around which I was thinking of using, but I'm pretty much at the "forget that" stage and will probably try to sell it. So the big question regarding the t8 is, should I order it with the divider and setup as a 2 snake viv (heat tape placement & 2 radiant heaters due to my low ambient temps, etc) or should I just plan to use the 1 T8 for the life of my Ball and get the viv with 1 light, 1 radiant heater, etc? I know people say the 24x24 should be enough for an adult BP, but I don't know, it feels like it would be small. I'd much prefer to either design the cage as a permanent double 24x24 or single 48x24 viv and not change things up once the snake starts getting too big. I know if I have 2 24x24 spaces, I won't be able to keep the second space vacant for long at all and I don't want to have 2 snakes that are too big for their enclosures in a year. I plan to keep these 1 or 2 snakes for good, no trading/selling/breeding. I was thinking I would stack another T8 down the road if I wanted to get another ball.

[Outtkast]

Also, if someone thinks there are better options than the T8, I'd like to hear it... considering my humidity and ambient temp challenges. I also like the price point of AP.

[D1C]

The divider is just 20 bucks and you can always take it out. I opted for a T8 to house 2 bps with 2 RHP's. You can always buy one later and install yourself. Its really just your preference

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[Outtkast]

I'm more worried about the initial setup. If I go with double 24x24 I have to get 2 radiant heaters, 2 lights, arrange heat tape differently, need the divider, can't get the basking shelf and whatever else I'm not thinking of. If I divide it, I want to keep it that way for good.

[Outtkast]

The divider is just 20 bucks and you can always take it out. I opted for a T8 to house 2 bps with 2 RHP's. You can always buy one later and install yourself. Its really just your preference

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You aren't worried about the 24x24 space being too small for a full sized BP or are you just planning on moving things around at a later point?

[D1C]

It's fine right now. If you get the LED lights, its the same as 2 fluorescent fixtures and takes up less space.

I don't have adults but from everything I've heard and read, it is enough space. If I find that it isn't, I will get another one to stack on top. I had that same debate about getting one or two and decided that I can always get another one later

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[Outtkast]

Yeah, with them not being all that expensive, you could always just stack another on top down the road. I might go that direction as well.

Just wondering, did you get your RH installed directly from AP or what did you go with otherwise? Do you have some kind of heat tape as well or just the RHs?

[D1C]

I installed the RHP myself.used Reptile basics, two 40 watt panels. Its easy to do.

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[Sauzo]

Just buy LED lights or an 18 inch fluorescent fixture at home depot. Will be cheaper and easy to install. RHPs are easy to install. I got a Pro Products one in my Pro-Line cage. Just drill 2 holes and mount it where you want it. Heat tape, the same thing. Just buy a roll of foil tape at home depot and you can move the heat tape to whichever side you want or put it in the middle if you got 2 snakes. The advantage to AP doing it is they route channels in the top so you can hide the RHP and light wires but you can more or less achieve the same thing by using a dremel or a drill and "channeling" out a little U shape in the back top of the cage between the back wall and the top so you can fit the wire through.

Oh this is this lighting I use in my HDPE cage http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-18-in-...6466/100384834. Cheap, easy to install and so far after 2 years, still working fine.

I too have been kicking around the idea of an AP T8 for my pied girl. I also have been thinking of just giving her my boas Pro-Line HDPE 48x23x14 when I get my boa a new cage also as in probably another year or so, she is going to be outgrowing it since shes up to about 6ft now.

[michaelt]

I'm more worried about the initial setup. If I go with double 24x24 I have to get 2 radiant heaters, 2 lights, arrange heat tape differently, need the divider, can't get the basking shelf and whatever else I'm not thinking of. If I divide it, I want to keep it that way for good.

Why do you need to get the basking shelf.. Ball pythons don't need to bask from what I understand.. I could take some pics of how I set up my t8 with heat panels and lights if you would like to see.